Importers of Fonterra Cooperative Group's products were urged to recall contaminated products after the dairy maker warned that some of their products showed strains of botulism-causing bacteria. Chinese regulators issued the warning as a sense of duty to customers. The New Zealand-based company announced that three batches of its whey ingredient used to make milk and other food products were contaminated. The ingredients, which were made in its plant in New Zealand last year, were mixed in items sold to China and other countries.

Fonterra's warning came as the Chinese government heightens inspections of food companies, both local and international and operating in the country after a series of safety scandals. The General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine in China said that local agencies should be vigilant in inspecting milk products coming from New Zealand. China provided 14% of Fonterra's revenue last year. Chief Executive Officer of Fonterra Theo Spierings said he will speak with his customers in China when he visits.